Tristate Logic - Increasing current drive

[Mike Charlie]

I am currently looking at charlieplexing that can in theory cause me to be able to control eight 7 segment displays using 8 microcontroller pins, however in practice there is not enough current to drive all the displays. What I need is to increase the current drive from the microcontroller,

The information that I can give you is that I plan on using "KINGBRIGHT ELECTRONIC SC15-11SRWA" 7 segment displays. From what I understand is that it requires around 30 mA per segment on the display. The microcontroller I am currently using (will probably upgrade to one with more I/O pins) is a PIC16f84a, which I believe drives 25mA per pin.

I appreciate any help anybody can give me. Thanks.

 

[berkeman]

I am currently looking at charlieplexing that can in theory cause me to be able to control eight 7 segment displays using 8 microcontroller pins, however in practice there is not enough current to drive all the displays. What I need is to increase the current drive from the microcontroller,

The information that I can give you is that I plan on using "KINGBRIGHT ELECTRONIC SC15-11SRWA" 7 segment displays. From what I understand is that it requires around 30 mA per segment on the display. The microcontroller I am currently using (will probably upgrade to one with more I/O pins) is a PIC16f84a, which I believe drives 25mA per pin.

I appreciate any help anybody can give me. Thanks.

Just use '245 type drivers to boost the current.